Addressing safety and health issues for the concrete sawing and drilling interests for nearly two years, an alliance of the Concrete Sawing and Drilling Association (CSDA) and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has produced Reducing Silica Exposure Fact Sheet, a document aimed at preventing conditions leading to silicosis in workers. The new tip sheet elucidates best practices for employers and employees of concrete cutting companies, including the use of engineering controls such as ventilation or cutting wet — the preferred method — to reduce silica dust exposure.

Reducing Silica Exposure Fact Sheet is the second Best Practice developed under the alliance, following one on work zone safety that premiered at the 2007 World of Concrete. More information on the document or CSDA/OSHA Alliance can be obtained by calling 727/577-5004. Both fact sheets can be found on CSDA's website, www.csda.org, by clicking on the OSHA Alliance logo located on the home page.